It’s been a few years since the release of Alex Vans’ first full length DJ Booth. It’s a solid and catchy record, full of promise. After recording, Alex formed his backup band The Hide Away, and they’ve played some 200 shows. Recently, most of those shows have been tributes to Beck, and fans (including myself) were starting to wonder when Alex was gonna fulfill the promise of the first album. I’m happy to say the wait is over.
Vans and The Hide Away are dropping their first new single since DJ Booth, "Velocirapture" on May 5th. It’s a bright rocker, exceeding the expectations of earlier work. It’s at least as catchy, with a deeper, more formed and practiced sound. Somewhere between Tom Petty and Beck, Alex has found his home. I, for one, believe in the Raptor.
You can catch Alex and The Hide Away at Iota May 9th for a Beck tribute set (part of a huge 1996 showcase featuring tributes to Ras Kass, Weezer, The Cranberries, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos), before The "Velocirapture" Single Release Party, on May 16th at Hill Country Barbecue (w/ Short Lives). –Natan Press